Hancock, Cuesta, Palomar and Merritt Win Openers at Holiday Classic

Defending champion Allan Hancock College, Palomar, Cuesta and Merritt advanced to the championship semifinals with first-round victories during day one of the 53rd annual Holiday Classic on Thursday. Games will take place at 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. on Friday inside Joe White Memorial Gymnasium.

Thursday results:
Cuesta defeated Bakersfield, 76-69
(CUE) Finn Whetstone- 28 pts; (BAK) Tucker Eenigenburg- 29 pts
Palomar defeated San Jose, 76-47
(PAL) Jackson Strong – 23 pts; RahTawn Fobbs – 19 pts
Hancock defeated Chabot, 71-66
(HAN) Spirit Ricks- 14 pts; (CHA) Stephen Northington- 17 pts
Merritt defeated L.A. Southwest, 75-67
(MER) Isiah Davis – 29 pts; (LASW) Austin Toomalatai – 14 pts

Friday's Schedule:
Consolation Semifinals
1 p.m. – Bakersfield (6-5) vs. San Jose (3-9)
3 p.m. – Chabot (1-11) vs. L.A. Southwest (6-8)
Championship Semifinals
5 p.m. – Cuesta (8-8) vs. Palomar (9-5)
7 p.m. – Hancock (9-5) vs. Merritt (5-7)

Saturday's Schedule:
1 p.m. –Consolation Championship
3 p.m. – 3rd place- Game
5 p.m. – Championship Game